Andi Eigenmann defends Philmar Alipayo from accusations he stole donations for typhoon Odette victims

Andi Eigenmann and Philmar Alipayo (Image: Instagram/@andieigengirl)

Andi Eigenmann came to her fiancé Philmar Alipayo’s defense after he was accused of stealing donations for those affected by super typhoon Odette.

The actress stressed that her fiancé is “more than willing” to use his own money to help victims of the typhoon in their home island of Siargao, she stated on her Instagram Story yesterday, Dec. 20.

“[Philmar] just got back to Siargao and left me and the kids behind with a heavy heart in order to go and see our family and see what more we could do to help,” she said.

Eigenmann narrated how the celebrity surfer asked an airline if he could bring food and other essentials to his family and loved ones on his flight back to the island.

“It is very sad to know that he is being accused of stealing donations when he even specifically ignored his chance to use his platform to ask for them, since he’s willing to use his own money just to help our community out,” she added.

Image: Instagram/@andieigengirl

Eigenmann described Alipayo as a “simple man,” which made it easy for him to give back to his home island.

“Just so hurtful that it always seems to be so hard to believe that my fiancé has his own money to spend too because he works to earn it,” Eigenmann lamented.

She then recounted that when Alipayo left for Siargao, he assured her that he would be fine, pointing out that he is used to living a simple life.

Image: Instagram/@andieigengirl

Eigenmann and Alipayo earlier announced that the earnings from their YouTube channel “Happy Islanders” would be used to help rebuild Siargao after it was hit by typhoon Odette. The actress also asked for help for the island while showing the devastation the typhoon brought to a road near their home.

The couple and their children were not in Siargao when the super typhoon wreaked havoc there. The actress had attended a friend’s wedding in Batangas with her children and stayed in Makati before their flight home was canceled due to inclement weather.

Eigenmann is relieved that her friends and family on the island are safe, though she stressed that it would take some time before Siargao could go back to normal again.

Super typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) hit the Visayas and Mindanao last week. At least 375 people died due to the typhoon and 56 are still missing as of writing.  /ra

RELATED STORIES:

Andi Eigenmann, Philmar Alipayo will donate vlog earnings to help rebuild Odette-stricken Siargao

Andi Eigenmann shows devastation on road to Siargao home, asks for help for the island